Hey everyone! I wanted to start this post off by saying THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me in my fundraising process. Although I still have a long way to go, your generosity has given me hope that I will be able to reach my fundraising goal. Not only do the donations help to cover the cost of my trip, but they also help cover the cost of my shopping spree at REI this past week, where I bought a over half of the gear I will need for my trip! I bought a backpack, sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, daypack, travel pillow, hammock, and a bunch of other little things that are necessary to live for eleven months out of a backpack. None of this would be possible without your support and encouragement, and the coolest part about it all is that every penny goes directly to the mission of meeting people who may have never even heard about Jesus before and sharing His love with them!
With all that being said, I want to talk about something super fun. I have written about why I chose the World Race, and also about the fear that comes with leaving my comfort zone and jumping into the unknown, but today we’re talking about the fun stuff! I want you all to hear what I am most excited for on this journey.
I am going to list them off bullet-point style so that you don’t have to read long paragraphs and get bored. But if you want to talk more about anything at all please reach out! I have hundreds of things I am excited for, but here is a list of some of the first things that pop into my head:
– Meeting thousands of new people, and learning more about their lives
– Making Jesus the absolute focus of my life, everyday, for 11 months
– Seeing how happy people are, even when they have very little by worldly standards
– Helping people overcome traumatic and heartbreaking pasts
– Sharing my testimony, whether it be in front of large crowds or in a one-on-one conversation
– Traveling to all of these new countries
– Learning to play the harmonica (I want to learn a new instrument and that’s what I can fit in my backpack)
– Disconnecting from technology
– Getting into good shape (even if it’s because I have to carry around a 50 lb. backpack everywhere I go, still a win in my book)
– Creating lifelong friendships
– Doing crazy things (eating bugs, maybe swimming with sharks in South Africa if we get a chance, trying not to embarrass myself surfing in Nicaragua or Costa Rica, hanging with monkeys in Thailand, and any other wild opportunity that presents itself. I’m taking every chance I can)
– Leaving communities and families better off than when my team and I first arrived
– And, most importantly, sharing the life-changing love of Jesus with everyone I meet
The list definitely goes on, but I had to stop somewhere! I would love to chat with any of you if you have questions about this mission, want to donate, or have any cool tips about countries I will be visiting. Be on the lookout for upcoming fundraising events, I should have some coming your way soon! Also, I still have shirts available if you want to buy one. I love you all and I will never stop thanking you for all of your support!
129 days until I take off!
